Hosts:

Dr. Ashlee Gethner, LCSW – Child of a Police Officer

Jennifer Woosley Saylor, LPCC S – Child of a Police Officer

Guest:

Mike Mudd - USAF Veteran, Retired Paramedic Captain, & Realtor®

In this powerful and candid episode, Ashlee and Jennifer are joined by Mike Mudd, a Louisville-based realtor, former paramedic, and USAF veteran. Mike reveals his journey through 25 years in EMS, the emotional toll of responding to critical incidents, and the struggles first responders face in accessing mental health support. With raw honesty, he shares personal stories of trauma, resilience, and the importance of recognizing and caring for the people behind the uniform.

Key Discussion Points:

Mike’s Career Journey - Started as a dispatcher; worked up to EMT and then paramedic and Captain in Louisville EMS service.Transitioned to real estate after reaching burnout in EMS.

Childhood Influences - Grew up in a split family with a police officer stepfather. Discussed Mike's childhood fascination with sirens, lights, and law enforcement.

Reality of EMS Work - Describing the unpredictability and independence required in EMS. Mike shares stories of traumatic calls, the emotional aftermath, and the lack of support systems during his tenure. Highlighting the emotional toll, including PTSD and worst-case scenario thinking.

Mental Health & Support - Mike discusses the lack of formal debriefing or mental health resources for EMS crews during his career. Makes a strong case for mandatory mental health checkups for first responders following major incidents and talks openly about the effects of trauma on personal relationships and daily life.

Leadership & Recognition - Reflection on management challenges and the importance of leadership that sees and supports its people. The group advocates for more recognition and appreciation for EMS, dispatchers, and corrections staff. Mike suggests that small gestures of affirmation (even a $2 ribbon) can drive morale and healing.

Family & Grief - Mike shares how his family's background in law enforcement shaped his worldview and relationships, with talks about coping with the loss of loved ones and choosing to live joyfully as a tribute to those lost.

Humor & Coping Mechanisms - Mike explains how humor, pranks, and camaraderie help crews decompress from the harsh reality of first responder work. He emphasizes the importance of healthy ways to release stress, sometimes misunderstood by the outside world.

Want to get in touch with Mike?

🔗 Website: https://www.mikemuddrealtor.com/

🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikemuddrealtor

🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mike.mudd.188?mibextid=wwXIfr

Email: mike@semonin.com

If this episode resonated with you or if you have stories to share about living with a first responder, reach out to Ashlee and Jennifer on their social media platforms!

Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review "When The Call Hits Home" on your favorite podcast platforms!

Follow Us:

- Facebook: When The Call Hits Home Podcast

- Instagram: @whenthecallhitshome

- Whenthecallhitshome.com

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This podcast does not contain medical / health advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Training Velocity LLC and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the Podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS PODCAST.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Hosts:

Dr. Ashlee Gethner, LCSW – Child of a Police Officer

Jennifer Woosley Saylor, LPCC S – Child of a Police Officer

Guest:

Kristin Greathouse, BSN, RN, NC-BC - Wife & Child of a First Responder

In this insightful episode, hosts Jennifer and Ashlee welcome the extraordinary Kristin Greathouse - nurse, board-certified nurse coach, first responder spouse and daughter to unpack the unique challenges and strengths of families serving on the front lines. They delve into Kristin’s personal journey, the crucial differences between coaching and therapy, and how coaching serves as a vital resource for first responder families navigating stress, trauma, and the demands of their roles.

Key Discussion Points:

Kristin’s Story: Kristin shares her background as both a child and spouse of first responders, her own path to nursing (including returning to school at 40!), and why she became passionate about nurse coaching.

Nurse Coaching Explained: What nurse coaching is, how it differs from traditional therapy, and why it’s particularly impactful for those in high-stress professions and their families.

Family Dynamics & First Responders: Kristin opens up about the realities of marriage to a police officer, navigating hypervigilance, and the importance of building a peaceful home sanctuary.

Themes in Coaching First Responder Families: Common struggles such as apologizing for feelings, putting oneself last, and the journey toward self-worth.

Self-Care that Actually Works: Kristin and the hosts exchange quick, practical self-care tools that resonate for first responders and their loved ones from tactical breathing and body scans to journaling (even with video!) and honest emotional expression.

Coaching in Real Life: How coaching techniques help defuse tension and promote understanding at home, plus why you shouldn’t take your partner’s work stress personally.

Supporting First Responder Kids: Reflections on growing up in a first responder household, the role of resilience, and insights for children (and parents) who carry these unique experiences.

Resources & Tips Mentioned:

EMDR therapy for trauma

Tactical (box) breathing techniques

Video and written journaling

Progressive muscle relaxation

Want to get in touch with Kristin?

Email: kmhgreathouse@gmail.com

If this episode resonated with you or if you have stories to share about living with a first responder, reach out to Ashlee and Jennifer on their social media platforms!

Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review "When The Call Hits Home" on your favorite podcast platforms!

Follow Us:

- Facebook: When The Call Hits Home Podcast

- Instagram: @whenthecallhitshome

- Whenthecallhitshome.com

---

This podcast does not contain medical / health advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Training Velocity LLC and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the Podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS PODCAST.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Hosts:

Dr. Ashlee Gethner, LCSW – Child of a Police Officer

Jennifer Woosley Saylor, LPCC S – Child of a Police Officer

In this heartfelt follow-up to their interview with Marian Crossgrove, Jennifer and Ashlee dive deep into the often-overlooked topic of substance abuse in the first responder community. With no guest this week, the hosts reflect on Marian’s story of resilience, recovery, and hope. They use her journey as a springboard for a candid discussion about why substance use is so common among first responders, how it impacts families, and what real recovery can look like.

Key Discussion Points:

Marian’s Inspiring Comeback: Marian’s story of losing her identity, seeking help, and returning to the first responder field offers hope to those who may feel isolated by substance abuse.

Cultural Normalization of Alcohol: The hosts discuss how drinking is woven into the fabric of first responder culture as a means of celebration, coping, camaraderie, and the slippery slope it can create.

Family Perspectives: Ashlee and Jennifer describe personal experiences growing up in families where drinking was normalized, and how family members can play a crucial role in identifying when substance use becomes a problem.

Defining Addiction: Jennifer breaks down how addiction is identified, emphasizing the importance of looking at functioning and not just frequency or quantity of use. They highlight the clinical criteria and how family concern is a significant indicator.

Genetics, Trauma, and Coping: The discussion covers how genetics, trauma exposure, and lack of healthy coping mechanisms can all intersect to increase the risk of substance abuse among first responders.

Shame, Stigma & Department Culture: There’s an honest exploration of the double standard within some departmentswhere drinking is both encouraged and shamed, and how this adds complexity to getting help.

Moving Toward Wellness: Both hosts stress the importance of departments understanding their resources, building peer support, and knowing treatment options because being prepared can save careers and lives.

The Complexity of Recovery: Recovery from substance abuse isn’t easy, especially in a culture where drinking is prevalent. Jennifer and Ashlee share insights on the dedication required for recovery and the ongoing journey of maintaining wellness.

Resources and Recommendations: The hosts encourage listeners to explore resources like Alcoholics Anonymous, peer support teams, and to approach the issue proactively within their departments. They remind families and departments to stay educated and ready to help.

If this episode resonated with you or if you have stories to share about living with a first responder, reach out to Ashlee and Jennifer on their social media platforms!

Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review "When The Call Hits Home" on your favorite podcast platforms!

Follow Us:

- Facebook: When The Call Hits Home Podcast

- Instagram: @whenthecallhitshome

- Whenthecallhitshome.com

---

This podcast does not contain medical / health advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Training Velocity LLC and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the Podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS PODCAST.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.